Home

NFL

After Capturing Lionel Messi, MLB Legend Ken Griffey Jr. Takes His Talents to the NFL Field as the Arizona Cardinals Secure First Victory

Published 09/25/2023, 9:00 AM EDT

Follow Us

Ken Griffey Jr. is expanding his resume. The retired Seattle Mariners star has been away from the diamond since 2010 but his love for baseball continues. Serving as a senior adviser to MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred, Griffey stays connected to his beloved sport. But after his active MLB days were over, the ex-slugger expanded his portfolio with sports photography. And he’s shooting the best of stars.

Lionel Messi has caused an upsurge in soccer popularity in the country with his Inter Miami signing. Capturing the Argentine icon on his camera, Griffey paid a visit to the DRV PNK Stadium on August 31st. Putting his photography skills to use again, the ex-outfielder went to the NFL next.

Ken Griffey Jr. Flashes His Giant Camera at State Farm Stadium

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

On Sunday, Glendale saw the Arizona Cardinals finally clinch their first victory of the season, against the Dallas Cowboys. Photographing the teams in an official neon green media jersey was Ken Griffey Jr. The retired slugger was on the sidelines with his classic inverted back cap, his trusty camera, and a few zoom lenses. Additionally, Griffey also posed with the Cardinals’ Kyler Murray later on.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by NFL (@nfl)

The NFL and MLB posted a few pictures to their Instagram in a collaboration post, captioning it, “MLB Hall of Famer AND NFL photographer 👏” The first one is the ex-baseball star and current football star grinning at the camera. The second slide shows Griffey in his element.

Trending

Get instantly notified of the hottest NFL stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.

Follow Us

It wasn’t the first time that the former Mariners star indulged in his love of photography, of course. In addition to capturing Messi’s MLS game, Griffey was also spotted at this year’s Home Run Derby in his beloved Seattle. He has also officially photographed an Indycar race and Monday Night Football games, which he often shares on social media.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

The Griffey Children Come First For ‘The Kid’

Every artist has a muse and for Ken Griffey Jr., it’s his kids. In an interview with ESPN in 2016, the ex-baseballer opened up about his favorite subjects to shoot. “Being able to shoot my kids’ games is my favorite. The looks on their faces are priceless. People have to remember that there are no shoe, glove, or eyewear deals, it’s just the love of the game for them.”

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

While all these experiences have been fulfilling, what Griffey wants to shoot most is an Olympic track and field race. Who knows, maybe audiences will get to see him in Paris in 2024!

WATCH THIS STORY – Lionel Messi’s Influence Leads To Derek Jeter’s MLS Debut, Bringing Yankees Rival for a Surprise Appearance With Floyd Mayweather

SHARE THIS ARTICLE :

Written by:

Arunima Bhanot

1,109Articles

One take at a time

Arunima Bhanot is an MLB writer at EssentiallySports. Her tryst with MLB was accidental, but what followed was nothing short of a pursuit of excellence. Arunima's articles have been recognized as Editor's Picks on multiple occasions, highlighting her exceptional attention to detail and insightful coverage.
Show More>

Edited by:

Deepanshi Bajaj